I know that our LO are too small to even know who the elf on the shelf is, but does anyone do it with their older kids? Or is their a different version with a less creepy doll?

I haven't started this tradition cause he kind of creeps me out but I love having traditions that the kids can look forward to so I'm thinking of jumping on the elf the shelf train. So what's everyone else's opinion?
Re: Elf On The Shelf
Married DH 7/30/11
CSC arrived 5/7/12
CHC arrived 6/2/14
My hairdresser told me that her step-daughter just lost her first tooth... and got $50 for it! I seriously laughed in her face.
@KrystaJ - I just noticed we got married on the same day!!
We won't be doing Elf on the Shelf - we will also be doing the Advent calendar and I just don't need one more thing to try to keep up with.
https://theimaginationtree.com/2013/11/alternative-elf-on-shelf-tradition-kindness-elf-kindness-elves.html
My Mom bought an elf on the shelf for AJ. She knew I was interested and a store had a great sale on them so she got it. I think it will help the "belief" that he is there when he looks back at old Christmas pictures and sees the elf there. I should add I don't plan on it being a "you better be good because the elf is looking" thing just cute as the tradition of him being in different places/positions (but with minimal effort). Plus this year I get a "practice run" in case it is too much and too aggravating to move about there will be no memory of what it was there for. I like the kindness elves...no reason why elf on the shelf can't do the same things too. I guess for me/my DH there are so many family traditions that surrounds Christmas time I want to ensure we have traditions - some of our own - for our family in place. Also, Christmas is just such a magical time when kids are little. It only lasts for so long and part of that magic is gone. Yes, it is always important for me as a religious person to remember why Christmas is important to me and that will never change but the "extra" magic that you can only get with little kids around is something I'm really looking forward to. I have no idea if that makes any sense and sorry it's so long.
As for the elf, I would like to do it but not everyday. How easy would it be to convince kids he only does stuff on the weekends?
IF, 5 losses, 1 son, 1 on the way.